Jonathan Kuminga left millions of dollars on the table to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Kuminga himself as well as his agent, Aaron Turner, have defended the decision.Many are up in arms about why the young forward turned down a similar starting role and $12 million-plus annually over three years from the Lakers in a sign-and-trade scenario.Not to come off disrespectful, but I didnt feel like Los Angeles was the right environment for me, Kuminga told The Athletic. Theres a level of expectation and outside noise surrounding the Lakers that can become distracting, and I wanted a situation where I could stay focused on basketball and my development. I also felt Minnesota offered a better defensive fit and a clearer role for me. Ultimately, it was the better situation.Turner also spoke about Kumingas unique situation.The money coming before basketball is not really how youre going to continue to make more and more money, Turner said in aninterview with Chandler Parsons. So put yourself in the best basketball situation. If you take a longer deal, you have no control over that.Turner went on to explain how a shorter term deal will better suit the 2022 NBA champion.On paper next year for Jonathan Kuminga is a way better free agency year for him, Turner said. Theres a lot of teams with money.Among the teams he specifically mentioned was Sacramento where Kuminga has been linked to a number of times in the past.If you have paid attention to JKs recruiting saga over the last few years, those teams that have been trying to sign-and-trade for him, like Sacramento, Chicago, these teams have a lot of money next year, Turner said.He wasnt shy in promoting his player, and went on to claim on a seperate show that Kuminga was the Hawks best player in the second half of the season.He was their best player from the moment he showed up in terms of winning impact, Turner said on the Kevin OConnor Show. He had the best on/off net rating in the regular season and in the playoffs.All eyes will be on the23-year-old and his fit with the Wolves this upcoming season.
